tick, tick... BOOM!
A magical night at the Kennedy Center.
You will regret it if you miss seeing this production of tick, tick BOOM! at the Kennedy Center. The book, music, and lyrics, are by Jonathan Larson. It is brilliantly directed by the incredible, multi-talented, Neil Patrick Harris.
tick, tick… BOOM! is RENT author Jonathan Larson’s explosive, semi-autobiographical musical about life, death, and the necessity of art. The show follows Jon, a composer struggling to break into New York City’s theater scene, and is filled with unforgettable songs including “30/90,” “Johnny Can’t Decide,” and the Sondheim-inspired “Sunday.” Also “Sugar,” “Real Life,” and “Louder than Words.”
It stars Brandon Uranowitz as Jon, who gives a tour de force performance, which at times makes you laugh, and at times makes you cry. He is truly an extraordinary talent. Then Grey Henson as Michael, his best friend; and Denée Benton, as Susan, his girlfriend; are also incredibly talented actors, perfectly cast, and both with superb voices, who command the stage every moment they are on it.
This new production of tick, tick …BOOM! features new orchestrations and vocal arrangements. It has been expanded to include an ensemble comprising Kennedy Caughell, Kelvin Moon Loh, Yael “Yaya” Reich, and Nikhil Saboo. They are all extremely talented and add immeasurably to the production. It also features a talented band with musicians from the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra.
The feeling you have when watching this production wouldn’t be nearly as wonderful, and powerful, without the talented creative team. It includes; choreography by Paul McGill, musical supervision by Stephen Oremus, and music direction by Ben Cohn. Scenic and Projection design by Paul Tate dePoo III, Video and Projection design by Nathan Scheuer, costume design by Andrea Hood, lighting design by Cory Pattak, and sound design by Haley Parcher.
I saw RENT when it opened on Broadway and many times since. This is the first time I have seen tick, tick, BOOM!. It won’t be the last. Seeing it just added to my immense appreciation of the talent of Jonathan Larson. His work has made a difference in so many lives. Both the actors that played the roles, and sang the songs, he wrote; and the audiences who watch and listen to them. His work makes us think about our lives; the good, the tough, the hope, and the despair. His work makes you feel something, and that is what good theater, good art, should do.
tick, tick, BOOM! will only be at the Kennedy Center, Eisenhower Theater, through February, 4th. I hope you are lucky enough to get a ticket as they are going fast. Don’t miss your chance for a wonderful night in the theater.